about ten days ago, i had almost the same conversation, except reverse the genders. he's had bad experiences so every girl is viewed through the filter of those experiences. he's openly so misogynistic and he has no clue how he sounds. i tried to suggest that he might benefit from looking further at the reasons he was attracted to the last (unstable) woman in the first place. or better, why he acted on that.
*crickets*
i wish i had been as blunt as you were. next time...
Old patterns, habits, behaviors and mindsets can lock us in and cripple healthy choices. Had a dearly beloved female friend show me that about one year ago. I poured out my heart regarding a relationship, she listened and asked a question or two and I gave her my honest answers. I "saw the light" of what I was doing and it was life changing for me. She has become a dear friend. Bible says "iron sharpeneth iron."
People in pain, especially if they feel justified in having that pain, will hold on it to and hang it around their neck. If in dealing with them you can get them to go inward and start to strip away the layers and excuses and justifications and get to the bare bones of the issue, they will see that "wow, I got myself here, I need to fix this mess and I need to change." Ask questions in such a way as the answers they give shed light on their problem. Probe gently and pray like crazy (picture the duck with the legs paddling for all it's worth under the water) when spending quality time with them.
Talking or judging with "you need to do this" or "you should've or could've done that" doesn't work. It don't. It builds walls. I statements such as "I feel this" or "Based on what I think I heard you say, I feel this." Takes the spotlight if you will off the other person and they feel they can let down their "guard" and share.
God gave us two ears (yes, Abbie, two ears
this applies to you as well) and one tongue. Listen more, talk less. Hey, folks, I share my day with one furball of a kitty, Gracie. I live in an apartment complex with seniors, people in their 70's, 80's, 90's and two are over 100. I am 54. My conversations for the day are on these forums.
Conversations offline with Gracie go like this.
Me: Gracie, I love you.
Gracie: Meow, Meow
Me: You love me, Gracie
Gracie: Meow, Meow
Me: Are we good?
Gracie: Meow, Meow
I'm not crazy folks. Just being real, being me.
Appreciate y'all.